OIV estimates near 10% drop in global wine production

Global wine production for 2017 has been estimated at 246.7 million hl – an 8.2% drop compared to 2016 and one of the lowest levels for decades, according to the Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV).

The OIV attributed the drop in production to “unfavourable climate conditions” citing frosts and drought, with production levels in Europe particular low.

The European decline was driven by “historically low levels” in the three main producing countries – Italy down 23% to 39.3 million hl and France by 19% at 36.7 million hl, with Spain recording a 15% decline to 33.5 million hl.

Germany also recorded low production at 8.1 million hl, with the only European countries to see a rise compared to 2016 being Portugal (6.6 mhl), Romania (5.3 million hl), Hungary (2.9 million hl) and Austria (2.4 million hl), albeit all from small platforms.

Although not enough to offset the overall decline, global production was boosted by the US (23.3 million hl), but this estimate could change as the potential consequences of the recent wildfires in California had not been taken into account, said Jean-Marie Aurand, General of the OIV.

In South America, production increased particularly in Argentina (11.8 mhl) and Brazil (3.4 mhl), while in Chile (9.5 mhl) vinified production remained low.

Australian production (13.9 mhl) grew and New Zealand production (2.9 mhl) maintained a good level despite a slight decline, with South Africa stable at 10.8 million hl.